LG UPGRADE OLED TV RANGE AT CES 2018

8th January, 2018

At Las Vegas' CES this week, LG previewed their 2018 4K OLED range. Generally accepted as the best TV’s on the block, the new models add a whole range of image and function enhancements which should keep LG ahead of the TV pack. Sizes are 55, 65, 77 inches and as usual there is no pricing or availability info for Australia yet. Watch our news feed for those.

Four new model lines were announced, logically incrementing from last year’s 7 Series. So we have B8, C8, E8, and W8 with a new G8 to follow. All except the B8 feature LG’s new Alpha 9 super video processor which is 35% more powerful than last year’s chip and features 50% faster DDR memory. This lot delivers higher frame rates, enhanced dynamic HDR and numerous under-the-hood improvements which should improve picture quality and overall performance.

HDR is a vital part of picture quality and LG is still the only brand that support all four HDR formats, this year adding LG’s proprietary 4K Cinema HDR to the mix which processes HDR images dynamically frame by frame using Enhanced Dynamic Tone mapping.

From the official press release:

Best Possible 4K Cinema HDR Experience

2018 OLED and SUPER UHD TVs from LG feature 4K Cinema HDR, which introduces a truly cinematic experience to the home, regardless of the format. LG’s 2018 OLED and SUPER UHD TVs add support for Advanced HDR by Technicolor, building on a legacy of supporting most major HDR formats, from the superior viewing experience of Dolby VisionTM to HDR10 and HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma). LG’s 2018 OLED and SUPER UHD TVs process HDR images dynamically frame by frame using LG’s proprietary algorithm, Enhanced Dynamic Tone mapping. Both 2018 OLED TVs and SUPER UHD TVs come with Dolby Atmos object-based surround sound for the best audio-visual experience possible.

The processor also powers voice control in the form of Google Assistant running alongside the excellent webOS operating system and the cutely named LG ThinQ artificial intelligence, which will feature in LG 2018 home appliances, consumer electronics and services. LG is yet to say which countries will get Google functionality so there is no certainty that this will come to Australia, but whatever system arrives here, users will be able to interrogate their remote with queries such as “Play the movie with crocodiles and a man with a hat”. Isn’t technology wonderful!

Press release continued:

Picture Quality Close to Perfection

LG’s newest α (Alpha) 9 intelligent processor provides true-to-life images with incredibly rich colors, sharpness and depth for more realism. A core innovative element of the α (Alpha) 9 is the four-step process of noise reduction, which boasts twice as many steps compared to conventional techniques. This algorithm allows for greater finesse in noise reduction, improving the clarity of images affected by distracting artifacts and enabling more effective rendering of smooth gradations.

Written by:

Rob Follis has been writing about tech on and off for over 40 years, is a designer, photographer, information omnivore, gadget-head, Hi-Fi afficionado, owner of far far too many things and sadly an unsuccessful app developer. A born & bred Londoner now happily living in Melbourne. Email Rob.

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